If you are a good swimmer, and are particularly skilled in performing a particular stroke, then you might want to consider joining your school swim team. If you have a competitive streak, a love for the water and a desire to help your school win a title or two, then continue reading this guide on how to join your school swim team.

• Do you love spending time in the water, whether it be in the swimming pool, the ocean, a lake or a river? Are you a strong swimmer with a competitive spirit and a love for your alma mater? Have you been searching for an activity to get involved in at school? If so, you might want to consider joining your school's swim team.

(Creative Commons photo by Bob n Renee)

• If you are aspiring to join your school's swim team, the most important way to prepare is to swim year round. You can:

1. Swim at the local recreational center
2. Swim at the YMCA
3. Join a gym with a pool
4. During the summer you can practice in backyard pools or the public pool

• Once you have a place to practice your swimming, you should work on a variety of strokes. This will make you a well-rounded swimmer and more attractive to your school's coach. Here are the most popular strokes to master:

1. Backstroke
2. Breaststroke
3. Butterfly
4. Freestyle
5. Medley

• Make sure you are able to compete in races of both 50 and 200 yards or meters.

• Like most school sports, it is imperative that you keep up with your grades. Juggling the swim team and academics is not always easy, but if you want to remain on the team, make sure you keep up with your studies. Don't skip class and do not cause problems for your teachers. Never forget you are representing the entire swim team both in and out of the pool.

• Tryouts will likely be very competitive. There will not always be a spot for everyone on the team—you may be turned away with the advice to keep practicing and try again next year. With this in mind, it is essential you work hard during the off-season so you can wow the coaches during tryouts.

• There will likely be a two-week training period before official tryouts begin, thus allowing everyone the chance to get into shape. You will be expected to compete in all strokes and distances, but do not get discouraged if you are not very good at a particular stroke. The coaches will be assessing your overall performance on all strokes.

• If you do not make the swim team on your first time out, do not give up. You should:

1. Consider taking private lessons
2. Attend a swimming camp
3. Keep practicing

• Swimming can be a fun and exhilarating sport. If you are looking for an activity to get involved in at your school and you are a skilled swimmer, then why not join the school swim team? By following the above tips you can get started on your aquatic quest today.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: Preparation
• Step 2: Make the Grades
• Step 3: Try Out
• Step 4: Additional Tips
• Conclusion